Job Description

Our client, a leading Food Packaging company, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled Packhouse Manager to join and lead their team.

You will oversee daily operations at a high-volume fruit processing and packing facility in Stellenbosch. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in managing fresh produce environments, leading teams, maintaining strict quality and food safety standards, and driving efficiency across the supply chain.

You will be responsible for:

Manage all coldroom facilities

Supervise and manage a staff complement of 100 during peak season

Be able to determine packaging requirements and order accordingly

Determine daily tipping targets based on picking/delivery schedules of growers and customer requirements

Effectively manage and adjust hourly variations and changes to production schedules

Monitor and direct department supervisors to ensure the highest level of priority

Source a sufficient number of staff to maintain production targets

Accurately determine packaging availability to meet packing instructions and client requirements

Manage the purchasing cycle to ensure sufficient packaging is available as per instructions and client requirements

Implement and manage an effective preventative maintenance schedule to avoid breakdowns

React to emergency breakdowns urgently and ensure the update and servicing of all workstations and printers

Ensure packaging strictly follows packing instructions and client requirements

Spot-check packing and palletizing, taking corrective measures as necessary

Ensure the pack line is set up correctly to pack the correct class of produce

Implement and train Quality Control/Quality Assurance procedures to industry standards

Financial Management

Determine correct packaging processes and source the most cost-effective supplier in cooperation

Implement cost-effective deployment schedules in cooperation with the HR Manager

Skills and Experience

:
Minimum 5 years' packhouse management experience (stone fruit preferred)

Expertise in South African agricultural compliance and export protocols - Includes Global GAP, SIZA, Health & Safety standards etc.

International Packhouse accreditations: BRC / FSMA / SIZA

Have a proven track record in all aspects of packhouse management from fruit intake to containerization

Have knowledge of the computerized Vitrax system relating to the entire packhouse cycle

Be familiar with 4 lane packline with optical sorter and have a basic mechanical knowledge

Computer literacy and proficiency in packhouse software and documentation systems

Valid driver's license

Skills:

Energetic, responsible, and outgoing with a strong personality

Fully bilingual (Afrikaans & English)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to multitask and solve problems effectively

Strong leadership and team management skills

Adaptability to seasonal demands and long hours

Resilience during high-pressure harvest and packaging periods

If you are interested in this opportunity, apply with your most recent resume & supporting documents or give us a call.

Please note should you not receive a response from us within 7 working days; kindly consider your application unsuccessful. We wish you all the best.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R28000,00 - R30000,00 per month

Work Location: In person